Myth one: People who are addicted to drugs just lack willpower – why don't they just stop?
Many people believe that those with drug abuse problems should just stop taking them. However, ongoing contact to drugs can create a physical addiction as well as make changes to the brain. Addicts will experience physical cravings for a drug and experience symptoms such as sweating, nausea and shakes when they do not take drugs.
Myth two: Addiction is a disease so there is nothing you can do
The majority of experts agree that addiction is a disease of the brain but it is not necessarily permanent. Changes which occur in the brain due to drug use can often be reversed with treatment.
Myth three: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before seeking treatment
This is not true – treatment for drug abuse can occur at any time and the earlier the better.
Myth four: I failed to quit drugs before; there's no point trying again
Just because you have failed to quit drugs once, that doesn't mean there is no hope. Beating drugs is an ongoing process. Perhaps your state of mind has changed or you could try a new approach to quitting drugs. For example, if a non-residential rehab centre did not work, you could try a residential rehabilitation centre. If you did not like group therapy, investigate individual counseling.
Myth five: Drug abuse only refers to illegal drugs
People don't just get addicted to illegal drugs. People also abuse drugs such as prescription drugs and aerosols. Addiction to these types of drugs is just as potentially dangerous as addiction to illegal drugs.
Treatment is available for all types of drug abuse and addiction professionals take all types of addiction as seriously.
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